Clown Wrasse

The Clown Wrasse is an attractive Caribbean species featuring a colorful spotted pattern across its body. Males display a vibrant combination of green, blue, and red-orange markings with a characteristic dark spot behind the pectoral fin, while females show more subdued but still appealing coloration with yellow and green tones.

This species is one of the easier wrasses to keep, making it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate aquarists. The Clown Wrasse is hardy, accepts prepared foods readily, and has a peaceful temperament that works well in community reef aquariums. It is reef safe and will not harm corals or larger ornamental invertebrates, though it may consume very small invertebrate pests.

The Clown Wrasse is an active swimmer that brings constant motion and color to the aquarium. Like other Halichoeres wrasses, it sleeps by burying itself in the sand bed at night, so a sand substrate of at least two inches is necessary. A secure lid is also important as this species can jump when startled. Its Caribbean origin makes it an interesting alternative to the more commonly available Indo-Pacific wrasses.